Police traffic stops — South Dakota Permit Test

When pulled over, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard flashers; at night, also turn on the interior lights.

In a dark car the officer cannot see what you are doing, which makes the stop tense for both of you.

Turn on the hazard flashers and, if at night, the interior lights to help the officer see that everything is in order inside the vehicle.

When the officer asks for your license, insurance and registration, tell the officer where they are and reach for them slowly with one hand on the wheel.

A sudden grab into a bag or a glove box can be taken for reaching for a weapon.

If the officer asks for these documents, tell the officer where they are located and reach for them slowly with one hand on the wheel.

Never try to run from law enforcement; the consequences are more severe than the initial traffic citation.

Police chases end in fatal crashes, often killing people who had nothing to do with the stop.

The consequences of running from law enforcement are more severe than the initial traffic citation.

You are pulled over at night. What should you turn on to help the officer?

Hazard flashers and interior lights. In a dark car the officer cannot see what you are doing, which makes the stop tense for both of you. South Dakota Driver License Manual, p.64: “Turn on the hazard flashers and, if at night, the interior lights to help the officer see that everything is in order inside the vehicle.”